Gun Waiting Period in Colorado (2026): How Many Days?

What This Means for You

This puts Colorado in contrast to states like California or New Jersey that impose mandatory cooling off periods. The lack of waiting periods means your build timeline is only limited by parts availability and your own schedule, not state-imposed delays.

The Detail

Colorado operates under federal requirements only when it comes to waiting periods, which means there are none beyond the time needed to complete the mandatory background check. Once you pass the NICS check or state equivalent, you can immediately take possession of your firearm or lower receiver.

The state does require background checks for all firearm transfers, including private sales, but this is a point-of-sale requirement rather than a waiting period. You'll need to go through a licensed dealer for any transfer, and they'll run the background check before completing the transaction.

For builders, this means you can purchase stripped lowers or complete firearms without any mandatory waiting period once the background check clears. However, some dealers may have their own policies about holds or may experience delays if the background check system is backed up.

Keep in mind that while there's no waiting period, Colorado does have other restrictions that may affect your build plans. The state has magazine capacity limits and assault weapons provisions that you'll need to research thoroughly. Always verify current laws with official state resources since firearms regulations can change.

Build Impact

You can start your build immediately after purchasing a lower receiver, assuming the background check clears without delay. Plan your parts acquisition around availability rather than legal waiting periods.